Challenges in designing curriculum for trans-disciplinary education: On cases of designing concentration on informing science and master program on Data Science

Abstract

Aim/Purpose The growing complexity of the business environment and business process-es as well as the Big Data phenomenon has an impact on every area of hu-man activity nowadays. This new reality challenges the effectiveness of tradi-tional narrowly oriented professional education. New areas of competences emerged as a synergy of multiple knowledge areas - transdisciplines. In-forming Science and Data Science are just the first two such new areas we may identify as transdisciplines. Universities are facing the challenge to edu-cate students for those new realities. Background The purpose of the paper is to share the authors' experience in designing curriculum for training bachelor students in Informing Science as a concen-tration within an Information Brokerage major, and a master program on Data Science. Methodology Designing curriculum for transdisciplines requires diverse expertise obtained by both academia and industries and passed through several stages - identify-ing objectives, conceptualizing curriculum models, identifying content, and development pedagogical priorities.Contribution Sharing our experience acquired in designing transdiscipline programs will contribute to a transition from a narrow professional education towards ad-dressing 21st-century challenges. Findings Analytical skills, combined with training in all categories of so-called "soft skills", are essential in preparing students for a successful career in a transdiciplinary area of activities. Recommendations for Practitioners Establishing a working environment encouraging not only sharing but close cooperation is essential nowadays. Recommendation for Researchers There are two aspects of training professionals capable of succeeding in a transdisciplinary environment: encouraging mutual respect and developing out-of-box thinking. Impact on Society The transition of higher education in a way to meet current challenges. Future Research The next steps in this research are to collect feedback regarding the profes-sional careers of students graduating in these two programs and to adjust the curriculum accordingly.